NIISQ Scheme Insights: Oct-Dec 2024
Overview
This quarter we strengthened regional connections through our latest Queensland Brain Injury Collaborative roadshows, as well as onboarded a new pilot group for our NIISQ Direct participant portal.
If you have any questions about this information, please contact niisqcommunications@niis.qld.gov.au.
The data contained below reflects participants who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. For more information on how we assist people injured in work-related accidents, view our page on Work related accidents.
Highlights
During October-December 2024, we:
- launched the inaugural NIISQ Agency Disability Service Plan (DSP) on 3 December 2024 at an International Day of People with Disability event.
- co-hosted two successful brain injury awareness events in Cairns and Toowoomba with the Queensland Brain Injury Collaborative, engaging with local clinicians and community members.
- successfully onboarded additional participants to NIISQ Direct. Trials of the MyGov ID authentication
practices, FAQ processes and internal team support were required to enable safe use of the digital platform. - we held our last Participant Reference Group (PRG) meeting for 2024, an engaging session where numerous Scheme initiatives were discussed. The members offered insightful input, enriching the conversation. Collaborating with the PRG over the past year has been a rewarding experience, with their focus on co-design leading to valuable contributions to 13 initiatives. We look forward to continuing this productive partnership in 2025.
- enhanced participant engagement activities, including training opportunities for PRG members through the
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN). - continued our video series, travelling to various locations to connect with participants. These videos capture their powerful stories, filled with messages of hope and determination.
- rolled out our innovative SMART goal cards initiative to participants, including a user guide and video to assist in their planning activities.
- held our second Innovation Hackathon, where four internal teams worked together to find ways to help participants interact with us safely and securely, enabling real-time accessibility to the NIISQ digital platform.
- successfully launched our first AI process enhancement, enabling next day processing for service provider
invoices.
On the horizon
In the next quarter, we will:
- formally establish a new research partnership with the Hopkins Centre at Griffith University. The Centre was
established in 2017 and has a strong record in disability and rehabilitation research, aligning well with NIISQ’s
research priorities in topics relevant to people with brain and spinal cord injuries. - engage with actuaries to prepare advice on 2025-26 NIISQ levy for the Motor Accident Insurance Commission in line with legislative requirements.
- conduct our annual review of strategic and operational plans to ensure our activities deliver maximum value for our participants and stakeholders.
- commence the Innovate phase of our Reconciliation Action Plan.
- refresh Participant Reference Group membership in line with its terms of reference, as well as host the first meeting for 2025.
- continue to release new NIISQ Direct functionality and onboard additional participants.
- collaborate with Queensland researchers to identify opportunities for positive health, independence, community
and vocational outcomes for participants. - commence the co-design process for NIISQ Direct’s service provider portal.
Stay in the loop
To stay informed:
Explore our graphs below to learn more about NIISQ’s current participant cohort.
Tip: When viewing this report on a smaller screen, click the labels on our graphs to view them at a larger size.
Participants
Applications received
When the NIISQ Agency receives an application to join the scheme, we review the application to determine eligibility. Between October and December 2024, we received 50 applications, accepted 27 (on an interim basis), did not accept 17, and had 6 applicants pending decision.
Exited participants
People with eligible injuries enter the scheme as interim participants for up to two years and receive treatment, care and support funded by NIISQ to support their rehabilitation. During this period, we review the participant’s eligibility to remain in the scheme on a lifetime basis or to exit the scheme for various reasons.
Lifetime exited participants
For some participants, the treatment, care and support they have received has been effective in supporting a recovery that means they no longer meet the threshold for a serious personal injury that requires lifetime funding. After their lifetime eligibility assessment, 9 participants exited the scheme last quarter as a result of the treatment, care and support funded by NIISQ.
Lump sum exited participants
Participants who are eligible for lifetime funding might be eligible for a compulsory third party (CTP) insurance claim as well as NIISQ as part of their claim against the at-fault party. By taking a lump sum from both the CTP insurer and NIISQ, 12 participants exited the scheme last quarter.
Active participants
In terms of the current (active) participants in NIISQ, the number of lifetime participants continued to increase as expected. Lifetime participants now account for almost two-thirds of the total active participants.
Injury type
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be the main injury type for the NIISQ participant cohort, regardless of location or demographic differences.
Participant role in motor vehicle accident
The scheme supports a range of participants who were injured in various circumstances on Queensland roads.
Participant age and gender
Young males aged 16-30 continue to be the major cohort for NIISQ participation.
Participant age and injury type
The cohort of participants with traumatic brain injury is relatively younger in comparison to other injury types, such as spinal cord injury.
Geographical profile
While the majority of participants reside in the Greater Brisbane area, the Sunshine Coast is the next highest area by geographical profile.
Payments for treatment, care and support
Payments by service type
More than 50% of service payments made on behalf of participants are for attendant, care and support which reflects the care and respite that is necessary for people with serious personal injuries.
Legal services and claims
Participant with CTP insurance claims
NIISQ is a no-fault scheme, which means people seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents may be eligible for treatment, care and support regardless of whether they caused the accident. For participants who were not at fault, they may be eligible for a CTP insurance claim in addition to NIISQ. Just over 40% of NIISQ participants also had a CTP insurance claim.
Lump sum eligibility
Participants with a CTP insurance claim who are eligible to take a lump sum opted in the following way at conference:
- 70 participants have settled their CTP insurance claim.
- of those 70 participants, 59 accepted a lump sum from both the insurer and NIISQ.
- 11 participants opted to take the insurer lump sum but decided to stay in NIISQ.
Last updated: February 2025